Head of Academy

Head of Academy

Salary – Competitive and negotiable dependant on experience, a relocation support package is available for suitable candidates

Required from September 2022 or earlier by negotiation

A unique opportunity has arisen for an outstanding candidate with a proven track record of success to play a key strategic role in shaping and delivering the next stage of the Fairfax Academy’s journey.

Fairfax Academy is a large secondary school with almost 1600 students on roll across years 7 – 13.  The school is a valued and active part of Fairfax Multi Academy Trust and is located in Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands. The wider Trust is comprised of three other additional secondary academies based in Birmingham and the neighbouring borough of Solihull.

Following an 8-year tenure of the current Head of Academy, who has now been appointed to a position within the FMAT central team, the directors of FMAT are looking to appoint an inspirational and ambitious Head of Academy who will continue to build upon the academic and pastoral strengths of the academy. The school’s motto of ‘Sinceritas Laboris’ is not an empty phrase, but runs through all that Fairfax does and sits firmly alongside the Trust vision of ‘Excellence, Dedication, Ambition, Integrity and Tradition.’ We are looking for someone who has strong educational values and who will reinforce these key aspects, in a collaborative and supportive atmosphere.

Fairfax serves a clear and distinct local community and benefits from some fantastic and modern facilities which serve our curriculum and local community well. The academy benefits from a stable intake of students year on year and is always oversubscribed with the majority of parents in the local area identifying the academy as the number one choice of school for their children.

Achievement levels are in line with and often above the national average and the quality of teaching and learning has strengthened in spite of the pandemic through clear and strong leadership allied with a committed staff body. There is a clear focus on developing the whole child and the educational benefits of the full curriculum are valued by all. 

The school is highly inclusive and encourages all members of the community, including students and families to take an active part. Well-established positive behaviour management strategies are in place to reward and celebrate conduct, manners and work ethic.

The next Head of Academy at Fairfax will have

• A proven track record of successful leadership which has secured improved achievement and progress outcomes for all students at whole school level; 

• The ability to inspire, challenge, motivate and empower colleagues and students within the school community to achieve their potential; 

• A commitment to continuing the highly inclusive nature of the school; 

• A caring, visible and approachable attitude to staff, students and parents/carers; 

• An innovative approach to school improvement and curriculum development; 

• The drive, resilience, energy, vision and ambition to build on the school’s current successes.

• A commitment to working collaboratively with other senior staff across the Trust

In Return

We believe in looking after the people who make a huge difference to our children, their families and the communities we serve. That’s why as a highly successful Trust with a proven track record for school improvement we provide:-

• Centralised services and support to enable staff to focus on teaching. 

• Excellent opportunities for career progression 

• Access to bespoke CPD from our centralised professional learning and wellbeing offer to enhance your professional growth.

• The opportunity to work collaboratively with the other academies in the FMAT family so that as a Head of Academy you will receive support from your peers;  

• Strong school improvement support from a central team led by the Director of Education 

• a supportive local governing body.

• A Perkbox account – with 24/7 access to perks and discounts, plus curated wellbeing tools to look after your physical and mental health, which gives you access to hundreds of global and local perks, available online 24/7, shopping discounts from the biggest brands, all year round saving you money on everything from the supermarket shop to summer holidays and a free Employee Assistance Programme from Health Assured.

• A competitive and attractive salary

• Realistic work life balance expectations 

• A relocation support package is available for suitable candidates

Visits to the academy

We would welcome visits to Fairfax Academy by appointment. To book an appointment or to have an informal discussion about the role please contact Martyn Jobling (Director of Education), via email m.jobling@fmat.co.uk 

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this role, please complete and submit an online application form before the closing date.

Closing date: Monday, 31st January 2022 – 9am

Interview dates:  Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th February 2022

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks.  

This post is exempt from the from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. It is an offence, if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity, to apply for this role.

The Trust welcomes applications from all, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, age or sexual orientation.